“It was at the first-ever screening of American Hustle for the SBIFF Cinema Society last November that I knew precisely who should receive our Outstanding Director Award,” fest executive director Roger Durling recalled.

Oscar-nominated for “American Hustle” for both director and screenplay just yesterday, Russell will receive the SBIFF prize at the Arlington Theatre on Friday, January 31. In the past week, his film won both the Critics’ Choice Award and the Golden Globe for Best Comedy. For the second year in a row, Russell has directed his cast to Oscar nominations in all four acting races.

The 29th Santa Barbara International Film Festival runs January 30 through February 9, 2014. Other prestigious tributes at this year’s fest include Cate Blanchett, Emma Thompson, Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio, Oprah Winfrey and Robert Redford.